NAACP Concludes Week of “Thriving Together” in Boston for 114th National Convention
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2023
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON - This week, the NAACP concluded its 114th National Convention which took place in Boston, Massachusetts beginning on Wednesday, July 26. The week consisted of impactful programming, an interactive and immersive experience at The Hub, and thought-provoking panel discussions and remarks from some of the most distinguished speakers and guests in the civil rights and social advocacy space.
NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement expressing his gratitude and enthusiasm in light of a successful 114th NAACP National Convention:
"During this year's NAACP National Convention, we saw the impact of power and unity in our community. Through compelling conversations on every pressing issue from the preservation of Black history in schools, to the importance of stopping hate wherever it rears its ugly head, our time in Boston was a success. We have reaffirmed our commitment to justice and the pursuit of a society where we all thrive together. Now that we have devised a comprehensive plan to propel justice forward throughout the year, it is time for us to take the lessons learned back to our communities. Through our unified, strategic efforts, we will continue to build a brighter future for Black America."
This year, the NAACP welcomed enthusiastic Convention-goers who engaged in extensive programming which catered to attendees of all ages. The National Convention registration numbers reached higher heights totaling at an impressive 13,00+ active registrants. Of these numbers, more than 1,600 exclusively included participants of the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). In the spirit of "Thriving Together" the NAACP fostered an atmosphere of collaboration. Registrants, from members of the Board of Directors to Youth & College activists, were empowered to create meaningful change as representatives within their regions and work beyond that for necessary change as we navigate the oppressive nature of our current political climate.
The primary focus of convening for the NAACP National Convention is to conduct the resolutions process - a joining of good-standing members of The Association to vote and pass on varying resolutions which will inform the policy plans of the NAACP national perspective for the year to follow.
During the 114th NAACP National Convention resolutions plenary session, some of the key resolutions included:
Civil Rights
- LGBTQ+ Resolution
- Reclaiming the Word "Woke" as Part of African American Culture
Criminal Justice
- Addressing the Need for Gun Control
- Enforce Policies and Practices for Canine Units
- The Disciplining of Black Police Officers
Economic Development
- Providing Lending, Grant, and Capital Options to Black Farmers
- Accountability of Equity Practices in the Financial Sector
- Impact of Inflation on Black Americans
Education
- In Support of Honesty, Freedom to Learn, and Anti-Racism in Education
- Supporting Family Engaged gement, Advocacy, and Empowerment
- In Support of Debt-Free Solutions
- Addressing, Funding Disparities for Public and Private HBCUs
Environmental Affairs
- Biden Environmental Justice Executive Order
- Natural Disasters Impacts on Black People
- Water Infrastructure
Health
- Addressing Food Insecurities and the Future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Women's Rights to Reproductive Freedom and Health
- Protecting and Expanding Medicaid Now and Into the Future
Housing
- Testing as a Civil Rights Mechanism to Prove Discrimination
Internal Affairs
- Addition of Co-Advisor to the Bylaw and Background Checks
International Affairs
- Creation of a Sustainable Immigration Policy for the United States
Labor
- Protection of Cannabis Workers
Legal
- In Support of Diversity and Inclusion Policies and AntiRacism Programs
Legislative
- The DACA Program Should be Continued
Veterans' Affairs
- Advocacy for Veterans Justice Resources with Cases in Family and Children's Court
Voting Rights
- In Support of Voting Rights and Reaffirmation of 2022 Resolution
As the 114th National Convention comes to an official close, the NAACP remains resolute in our commitment to advancing civil rights as the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the nation. We stand prepared to overcome challenges, embrace opportunities, and build a more inclusive and equitable society for future generations. We look forward to convening for our 115th National Convention next year in Las Vegas, NV to continue these vital conversations and further our collective goals. We hope to see you there!
For more information on the 114th NAACP National Convention and updates on our ongoing policy initiatives, visit naacp.org.
The full video recording of the Resolutions Plenary is available here.
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.